By: Sar Seila

Abstract

Theravada Buddhism is the oldest religion among others in the world. Most of the people realize that this religion is virtually and truthfully perfect, that is why this religion is popular and worshiped by many countries, especially in Asia and Southeast Asia including Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Lao and Cambodia etc.

In Cambodia, one can see that there were several religions that being coexisting such as animism, Hinduism cult, Hinayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. Even though, Cambodia has had several religious practices, but one of those endure, except Theravada Buddhism. This gives some scholars to question about its existence.

Historically, Khmer people have practiced Theravada Buddhism long ago; it dated back to the third century B.C. It was in the Nokor Phnom Era reined by King Srimaraka. But this religion has not been continuously practiced. It was changed in accordance with each historical stage. To put it more precisely, it changed in according to the belief of the kings and the leaders who came to rule the country. However, since the reign of king Trasakphgem, Theravada Buddhism has been deeply and continuously practice throughout the country, even though Cambodia has undergone a series of dramatic wars. So what is the reason of its existence? Why the majority of Khmer people practice Theravada Buddhism? What is the meaning of Theravada Buddhism? What is the difference between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism? How Theravada came into Cambodia and what are its contributions to Khmer society?

Historically, it is true that Theravada Buddhism is popular among Khmer people and they practice it faithfully. But today, many countries in the world, also including Cambodia gets the influence from globalization process. In this global age, every culture is interconnected and it also includes religion. Facing this global phenomenon, how can Theravada remain in its original form and content? And does the Khmer practices remain faithfully practice it?

Through this study of “Theravada Buddhism in Cambodia from 1979 up to Presence”, we can conclude that Theravada Buddhism in Cambodia has undergone a dramatic change and sometimes almost disappeared because of war. However, it is still practiced by the majority of Khmer people. The reason behind this is that it answers to the most basic problem in their daily life. They believe that only Theravada that can bring them out of this worldly suffering. Adding to this, they also realize that Theravada Buddhism has great contributions to society such as in economic field, social affairs, culture and literatures etc.

However, facing the globalization process, Thervada Buddhism seems to lose its popularity. This is due to the fact that there is widespread of global communication, pro-western culture and foreign culture, the coming of other religions, the lack of human resources both in monastery and lay peopl and especially Buddhist do not practice it faithfully and regularly.

To restore, to maintain and to strengthen the popularity of Theravada Buddhism, both Buddhist monks and Buddhists followers have to immediately change their wrong and inappropriate behavior, also the ministry of cult and religion and other involved institutions has to pay more attention on these issues. Only by so doing that Theravada Buddhism will always exist and avoid any critics.

Institution: Royal Academy of Cambodia

Supervisor: Mrs. Klot Thyda (Ph.D)

Degree: Master of Philosophy